Nicola and Kevin Tickle co-owners of Heft, High Newton, in Cumbria, have been listed in dining guide SquareMeal’s top 100 UK restaurants, for the first time, at number 22.
SquareMeal’s annual list is unique in its pedigree and the formation of its final selection. Each of the top 100 results are a unique combination of SquareMeal’s own in-house critic-led opinions and thousands of diner votes.
This dual approach makes SqaureMeal’s list incomparable, representing not only their professional opinion but also thousands of real-life experiences provided by diners that help to reinforce and bolster the judges final decisions.
In order to make a place on the list, each restaurant had to offer more than just a good meal. It has to provide guests with an exceptional all-round experience. From gorgeous interiors, top-class wine lists and stunning views through to exemplary service and sustainability commitments, every single detail is taken into account when the final decisions are made.
SquareMeal’s list of the UK’s top 100 restaurants is all about the best-of-the-best in both emerging and established culinary styles and not only that it also celebrates the incredible chefs and hospitality teams out there going above and beyond to provide their diners with top-class experiences.
Caroline Hendry, SquareMeal’s Head of Content said: ”Huge congratulations to all 100 restaurants featured in this year’s list. This marks the first full year we’ve all been able to go out and about to eat again without Covid restrictions. With our restored freedom we’ve rediscovered the pure joy of a phenomenal meal and we couldn’t be happier to celebrate those moments through our awards.”
Adding: ”We’d like to thank the incredible hospitality professionals that create such seamless experiences across the whole of the UK, as well as all our readers who voted in their thousands to help us make our final decisions.”
Chef Patron Kevin Tickle commented: ”Heft being listed in SquareMeal’s Top 100 UK restaurants for the first time at number 22 is amazing news for us. It really is down to everyone involved and this recognises what we’ve all achieved in a relatively short space of time. We have definitely created something special and we’re pushing ahead with what we wanted to achieve at Heft, striking a good balance between a genuine local pub and a fine dining restaurant, and this listing recognises where we want to be.”
